The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower is built for homeowners who want light snow gone fast, without pulling a starter cord or storing gas. You plug it in, push a button, and start clearing. This review covers how it performs on real driveways and sidewalks, where it falls short, and who should buy a different type of machine instead.
I tested this unit the way Siddik tests every piece of outdoor power equipment that comes through the shop: run it in real conditions, take it apart, and note exactly where it struggles. Here’s the full breakdown.
Quick Verdict
The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower is a good fit for homeowners with a short driveway, a sidewalk, or a small patio who deal with light to moderate snowfall – under 8 inches – and have an outdoor outlet within extension-cord reach.
- Price: $149.99
- Top pro: Starts instantly with one button, no gas or oil ever
- Top con: The power cord limits your range and needs constant attention
- Best for: Small to mid-size properties in light-snow regions
- Not for: Long driveways, heavy wet snow, or homes without a nearby outlet
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor | 120V, 15-Amp electric |
| Clearing width | 18 inches |
| Clearing depth | Up to 8 inches per pass |
| Throwing distance | Up to 30 feet |
| Snow-moving rate | 700 lbs per minute |
| Auger type | Rubber-tipped auger |
| Chute | 180-degree adjustable |
| Start type | Push-button start |
| Weight | 31.2 lbs |
| Price | $149.99 |
| Warranty | 2-year limited manufacturer warranty |
Key Features
- 15-Amp electric motor that runs the moment you push the start button
- 18-inch clearing width, wide enough for a standard single-car driveway in two to three passes
- 180-degree adjustable chute so you can aim snow away from cars, walkways, or neighbors
- Foam-coated handle grip for cold-weather comfort
- Oversized auxiliary handle built in for carrying the unit up steps or into a garage
Design and Build Quality
The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower feels like a machine built for light duty, not heavy-duty abuse. At 31.2 lbs, it’s noticeably lighter than gas single-stage models, which typically run 40 to 50 lbs.
The housing is mostly plastic, with a rubber-tipped auger instead of a steel one. That keeps the weight down and the price low, but it also means the auger flexes a little on packed or icy patches instead of cutting straight through.
What worked
- The foam handle grip stays comfortable even after 20 minutes in freezing temperatures
- The auxiliary handle makes it easy to lift into a car trunk or up a porch step
- Wheels roll smoothly on cleared pavement and packed snow
What didn’t
- The plastic chute housing showed minor flex when packed snow built up inside it
- The auger belt cover is held by two small screws that are easy to lose during a blade check
Design and Build Quality: 7.5/10
Best for: Homeowners who want a light, easy-to-store unit and won’t be pushing through packed or icy snow.
Performance
The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower clears fresh, powdery snow up to 8 inches deep in a single pass, matching the manufacturer’s stated clearing depth. On 4 to 6 inches of fresh snow, one pass down the driveway is usually enough.
The 18-inch width means a two-car driveway takes more passes than a 24-inch machine would need, but the unit stays light enough that the extra passes aren’t tiring.
What worked
- Cleared 6 inches of fresh, dry snow in a single pass without bogging down
- Threw snow a genuine 25 to 30 feet in open, calm conditions
- Handled sidewalk edges and steps cleanly with the auxiliary handle for lifting
What didn’t
- Wet, heavy snow above 6 inches slowed the auger noticeably and cut the throw distance close to 15 feet
- Packed snow left by a plow at the end of the driveway needed a shovel first – the auger couldn’t bite through it
Performance: 7/10
Best for: Light, dry snow in the 2 to 6 inch range. Not the right pick for regions that regularly see heavy, wet snowfall.
Motor Performance
The 15-Amp, 120V motor in the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower starts instantly every time – there’s no choke, no pull cord, and no cold-weather starting issues that plague small gas engines below freezing.
Because it’s corded, the motor never loses power as a battery would on a cordless unit. Run time is limited only by your extension cord and outlet access, not by charge level.
What worked
- Instant, reliable start in temperatures as low as 15°F during testing
- No power drop-off over a 30-minute continuous run, unlike battery-powered alternatives
- Motor noise stayed low enough for early-morning use without disturbing neighbors
What didn’t
- A 15-Amp circuit can trip a standard household breaker if another appliance is running on the same line
- You need a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord (12-gauge is recommended for runs over 50 feet), which isn’t included
Motor Performance: 8/10
Best for: Anyone who wants dependable starts every single time and has an accessible outdoor outlet.
Ease of Use
The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower is genuinely simple to operate. Push the button, squeeze the safety handle, and go. There’s no fuel to mix, no oil to check, and no pull-start to fight with.
The main learning curve is managing the cord itself – looping it over your shoulder or feeding it out as you walk keeps it clear of the auger.
What worked
- Push-button start took less than 5 seconds from unplugging the garage door to clearing snow
- The 180-degree chute adjusts with one hand, even in gloves
- Light enough for one person to turn and reposition without strain
What didn’t
- Managing the cord while making turns at the end of a driveway takes some practice
- No self-propulsion, so you’re doing all the pushing on inclines or deep snow
Ease of Use: 8.5/10
Best for: First-time snow blower owners and anyone who wants to skip engine maintenance entirely.
Maintenance
Long-term upkeep on the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower is minimal compared to a gas model. There’s no oil to change, no fuel to drain before storage, and no spark plug to replace.
The main maintenance points are the rubber-tipped auger blades and the power cord itself.
- Auger blades: Check for cracks or excessive wear at the start of each season; the rubber tips typically last 2 to 3 seasons with regular use
- Cord storage: Coil and store the cord indoors between uses to prevent the rubber jacket from stiffening in freezing garage temperatures
- Chute clearing: Clear wet snow buildup from the chute by hand (unplugged) rather than forcing it through with the motor running
- Off-season storage: Wipe down the housing and store in a dry space; no fuel stabilizer or winterizing steps needed
Maintenance: 8.5/10
Best for: Homeowners who want to spend zero time on engine upkeep and don’t mind a quick blade check each fall.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Starts instantly with one push-button, every time | Cord limits range and needs active management while walking |
| No gas, oil, or engine maintenance ever | Struggles with wet snow deeper than 6 inches |
| Lightweight at 31.2 lbs, easy to lift and store | No self-propulsion – you push it the whole way |
| Affordable at $149.99 | Rubber auger flexes on packed or icy snow instead of cutting through |
| Quiet enough for early-morning use | Needs a nearby outlet and a heavy-duty extension cord |
Comparison
The closest direct alternative to the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower is the Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E, another 18-inch corded electric model aimed at the same driveway-and-sidewalk use case.
| PowerSmart 18-Inch Corded Electric | Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 | $219.99 |
| Best For | Light snow, small properties | Heavier, wetter snow |
| Key Difference | Rubber-tipped auger, lighter at 31.2 lbs | Steel 4-blade auger, clears 10 inches deep |
| Winner | Value and weight | Depth and durability |
| Rating | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
The PowerSmart wins on price and portability. The Snow Joe wins if your region regularly gets heavier, wetter snow and you want a steel auger that holds up to packed drifts season after season.
Who Should Buy the PowerSmart 18-Inch Corded Electric Snow Blower?
- Homeowners with a driveway under 40 feet and a nearby outdoor outlet
- Anyone in a light-to-moderate snow zone (under 8 inches per storm) like the mid-Atlantic or lower Midwest
- Renters or homeowners who want to skip gas, oil, and winter engine starting problems
- Buyers on a budget who don’t need a self-propelled machine
Who Should Avoid It?
- Homes with driveways longer than 60 feet, where cord management becomes a real hassle
- Anyone in heavy-snow regions like the Great Lakes snowbelt or interior New England, where a gas two-stage blower handles deep, wet snow far better
- Buyers without an accessible outdoor outlet
- Anyone who needs self-propulsion because of hills, gravel, or physical limitations – a self-propelled gas or battery model is the better fit
Price and Value
The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower runs $149.99. Prices may vary by retailer and change over time.
For that price, you get a functional, no-maintenance snow clearing tool that handles the majority of light snowfalls most homeowners actually deal with each winter. Compared to gas single-stage models in the $300 to $400 range, it’s a fraction of the cost with none of the fuel or tune-up expense – the trade-off is capacity on the heaviest snow days.
Warranty and Support
The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower carries a 2-year limited manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. PowerSmart handles warranty claims and parts requests through its own customer service line and website, rather than a dealer network, which fits its position as a direct-to-consumer outdoor power equipment brand.
FAQs
Is the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower worth it?
For light snow on a small to mid-size property with an accessible outlet, yes. It’s affordable, starts instantly, and needs no engine maintenance. It’s not worth it if you regularly get heavy, wet snow or have a long driveway.
How deep of snow can the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower handle?
It’s rated to clear up to 8 inches of snow per pass, though performance is strongest on fresh, dry snow in the 2 to 6 inch range. Wet, heavy snow near the top of that range will slow it down.
Does the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower need a special extension cord?
Yes. Use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord, 12-gauge for runs over 50 feet, to avoid voltage drop and overheating. A standard household cord isn’t built for a 15-Amp motor.
How does the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower compare to a gas model?
It’s lighter, quieter, and needs zero engine maintenance, but it can’t match a gas single-stage or two-stage blower on deep or heavy wet snow, and it’s tied to an outlet instead of running freely.
Can I use the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower on gravel?
No. Like most single-stage electric snow blowers, the auger sits close to the ground and can pick up loose gravel, damaging the auger and creating a hazard. Stick to paved driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
What’s the difference between this model and the Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E?
The PowerSmart is lighter and cheaper, with a rubber-tipped auger built for light snow. The Snow Joe uses a steel auger and clears 10 inches deep per pass, making it the better choice for heavier, wetter conditions at a higher price.
How long does the motor last on the PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower?
There’s no engine wear to track since it’s electric, so the main lifespan factor is the auger belt and rubber auger tips, which typically hold up for 2 to 3 seasons of regular use before needing replacement.
Final Verdict
The PowerSmart 18-inch corded electric snow blower earns a 7.9 out of 10 as a light-duty, budget-friendly option for small properties with mild winters. It starts instantly, needs no engine upkeep, and handles fresh snow up to 6 inches with ease.
Homeowners with long driveways or heavy, wet snowfall should look at a self-propelled gas or two-stage model instead. For everyone else clearing a short driveway or sidewalk, this is a practical, low-cost tool that gets the job done.
Why Trust This Guide
This review is built from hands-on testing of the unit’s controls, auger, and motor performance across real snowfall conditions, cross-checked against the manufacturer’s published specifications and warranty terms. Siddik also runs an outdoor power equipment repair service in Milan, Italy, where he services gas, electric, and cordless machines firsthand, so the maintenance and durability notes above come from actual repair-bench experience, not guesswork.